No, really, I dislike growls and I didn't even notice they're there until now. But really, it's one word sung in growls after the choruses. I think if you count the growling time in my tune, it will be about two seconds.

No, really, I dislike growls and I didn't even notice they're there until now. But really, it's one word sung in growls after the choruses. I think if you count the growling time in my tune, it will be about two seconds.

3 of you tried to sneak some growls by me. I have come to terms with two of them, but the third one still seems a little out of place. And by out of place, I mean they are really not necessary.

To be fair, my submission isn't so much growls, as 'not totally clean'. The lyrics are clearly recognizable, and completely appropriate given the theme of the song. IE, I hoping I'm not the 'unnecessary' one.

I hesitated throwing out a 9.5, but I wanted to shift the scale from 7.5-9.0 to 8.0-9.5 because:1. I hated starting anyone off with a 7.5, and2. You're all losing points in Round 5, so I figured it'd even out

Of the 3 songs with growls, er not clean vocals, we have an 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0.

This isn’t the first I’ve heard of TTD. Back in the early/mid 00’s, I used to listen to a weekly web cast and they played them all the time. Not sure why I never followed up. Real solid East Coast metal.This was the longest submission in the round. Starts off with a little mellow build up and then breaks into probably the most classic metal track of the round. Starting my own Roulette, with this the first song submitted and heard, I know this experience will be a treat.

9.0

Senecadawg2-Dynazty-Starlight

When I saw the band’s name, I didn’t have very high expectations. This song ended up being my favorite this round. Starts out with a little LA Glam/Sleaze feel, sports a Power Metal chorus, a short but absolutely ripping guitar solo, and a touch of prog at the very end. As every other song in the roulette grew on me, I kept waiting for this one tom lose its luster. It never did. Track of the round!

9.5

Evermind-Bloodbound-Stanic Panic

WTF kind of title is Satanic Panic? Bloodbound is a band that I’ve been meaning to check out for a while. Their singer, Patrick Johanson, is awesome on the Shadowquest album released earlier this year. This kind of song is exactly what I envisioned for Round 1. The verses are straight off of Painkiller and the chorus reminds me of Russian Roulette era Accept. Right in my wheelhouse!

8.5

jjrock88-Lethal-Waiting On The Kill

JJ didn’t disappoint. I was expecting something bad ass and I got it. Lethal is a rather obscure metal band, from Kentucky (of all places) that I can tell. Not a ton of info out there on them. The wiki article compares them to Queensryche and Crimson Glory, so this must be the same band. JJ mentioned a classic Sacred Warrior comparison, and I think that fits perfectly. The vocals aren’t as good as those three bands, but I get the comparison. I will say that I listened to this song the most, because it had the handicap of having the worst sound. Not sure if it was the YT link, or the production. Maybe both.

8.0

Kingshmegland-Doubledrive-Track #7

Probably the most mainstream band submitted. I know that Joe has an “everyman’s” taste in music, which could cumulatively concern me in this roulette. But this song was not out of place. My CD had great flow and this song sat dead center. It was actually a refreshing listen. Kind of Kings Xish.Not sure what is a worse title, Satanic Panic or this one!

8.0

Big Hath-Bride-Everybody Knows My Name

Interesting song here. Has a wicked GnR vibe to it. Having just gone through a big GnR kick, this was a good time to receive this song. According to the band’s wiki page, they’ve been around quite a while, and also come from Kentucky. Apparently they’re Christian too. I’m interested to hear more from these guys.

8.0

Lonestar-Destrage-Destroy Create Transform Sublimate

WTF did you send me, man? Yikes. I know RJ is a chef, but all I could think of is that there was a music version of Chopped, this would be one fucked up basket. Easily my least favorite song in the round on first listen, but this grew on me like a fungus. It’s like musical crack. Lots going on. A risk with the growls, but this song had so much to offer. Loved where it went the second half, as it really lifted the track.As much as I feel the need to warn against growls, the risk here paid off.

9.0

Jingle.Boy-Star One-Human See Human Do

Like Ruslan’s submission, this is exactly the type of song I was envisioning for this first round. Fast upbeat and to the point. Excellent vocals on this especially Damien Wilson. Tried sneaking those Swano vocals by me, and on first listen, I hated it, but on subsequent listens, I thought they worked perfectly with those eerie keyboards. Would definitely be interested in hearing more from this album.

8.5

Wolfking-Blessed By A Broken Heart-Shut Up And Rock

This is a really cool tune that brought me back to 1984. Classic 80’s hard rock reproduced with a great modern sound. Did not get the growls in that first verse at all, but thankfully, the other vocals aside from that were excellent. I thought the Lemmy style vocals after the guitar solo were fine. This tune made a great Round 1 CD closer.